March-April 2018

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MARCH/APRIL 2018

Contents

THE MAGAZINE FOR GROWING BUSINESSES IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

6

COVER STORY

The Frentz Factor

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Publisher: Concept & Design Incorporated Editor: Lisa Cownie

6

Art Director/Staff Photographer: Kris Kathmann

Developer Tony Frentz uses his passion to poise his hometown for the future. In our cover story, Frentz opens up about how he found his passion in life and the people that help him pursue that passion.

Contributing Photographers: Art Sidner Contributing Writers: Shane Bowyer, Brook Devenport, James Figy Production: Becky Wagner

PROFILES

Circulation: Becky Wagner

Staying In The Race

Printing: Corporate Graphics, N. Mankato

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Mailing: Midwest Mailing, Mankato Cover Photo: Kris Kathmann

New facility allows Medieval Metalwerx to expand and pull ahead of the competition.

Jesse Olson took his passion for racing and turned it into a business with a national reputation in the racing world. In our profile, he talks about what an exciting ride its been.

Old Growth Industry

CIRCULATION 9,400 for March/April 2018 Published bimonthly

CORRESPONDENCE

44

Send press releases and other correspondence: c/o Editor, Connect Business Magazine P.O. Box 176, Nicollet, MN 56074

With deep roots and diversification, St. Peter Lumber Company has remained solid through the natural periods of growth and decline of the housing industry. In this profile, Chad DeBlieck talks about his taking the business his father built into the future.

E-mail: editor@connectbiz.com (please place press releases in email body) Web: www.connectbiz.com Phone: 507.232.3463 Fax: 507.232.3373

COLLABORATION CONNECTION – SPECIAL REPORT

ADVERTISING

Waseca Tries To Rekindle 40 Entrepreneurial Spirit of the Past

Call: (507) 232-3463

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E-mail: sales@connectbiz.com

Waseca works to reignite entrepreneurial spirit in the city. We take a look at “The Park” a collaborative new space in the city.

ABOUT CONNECT Locally owned Connect Business Magazine has ‘connected’ southern Minnesota businesses since 1994 through features, interviews, news and advertising.

COLUMNS

Editor’s Letter Cownie Connection Opinion

5 20 56

Connect Business Magazine is a publication of Concept & Design Incorporated, a graphic design firm offering print design, web design, illustration and photography. conceptanddesign.com

IN EVERY ISSUE

Connect with Community A Day in the Life Bulletin Board Hot Startz!

Ask A Professional 4

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34 38 42 53 58

MARCH/APRIL 2018

44 Copyright 2017. Printed in U.S.A.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Passion Pays Off I often consider myself lucky that I have the chance to pursue my passions. The awesomeness of that is not lost on me. As I put together this issue of Connect, it hit me how all of our profiles this issue also have the good fortune of living out their passions every day.

Take our cover story, Tony Frentz. While he seems to have an overall passion for enjoying life...he has also found his professional passion: creating a building or project and seeing it through from conception to end product. And it’s a passion he is “passionate” about sharing with his hometown of Mankato.

Jesse Olson pursued his passion of cars and racing, and that passion drove him to Mankato where his business, Medieval Metalwerx, just keeps growing.

And a passion for family, St. Peter and helping others design and build their dream home has helped Chad DeBlieck keep St. Peter Lumber Company going strong despite the ups and downs in the economy.

I hope you enjoy their stories and are motivated to follow your own passions!

So, happy reading...and hopefully, learning!

Lisa Cownie Editor

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5

Developer Tony Frentz uses his passion to poise his hometown for the future.

Tony Frentz in his Neubau Holdings office located above Tandem Bagels in downtown Mankato.

By Lisa Cownie Photo by Kris Kathmann

I would like to share with you a little known fact about Tony Frentz. But, I have discovered, there are no little known facts about Tony Frentz. His reputation and personality, just like the buildings he has developed, loom large in Mankato. With Tony Frentz what you see is what you get; a man with a big, genuine smile and big, genuine dreams for his hometown.

“In late high school I actually started thinking, I’m going to buy some buildings in downtown Mankato!” Frentz reflects.

And that, of course, is just what he did. It took a few years, a few different business ventures and a few risks, but Frentz’ impact is evident as you glance across the skyline of downtown Mankato; Emy Frentz Arts Guild, the Graif Building and US Bank Center among others.

“I love Mankato. In particular, the City Center is the most important to me.

I just really believe if your city center is thriving and strong the whole town will benefit,” says Frentz. “All cities when they get to a certain size have the same franchises and it’s good to have them. But what is unique and what makes a city special, is the downtown, the city center.”

With his professional focus on downtown, the greatest impact on his personal life happened along the hillsides of Sibley Park. Not while developing a business or designing a building, but rather while waiting in line during the People’s Fair, 1996.

“I was there enjoying the music with friends when I saw this beautiful woman waiting in the next line over. I tried to strike up a conversation,” he recalls. “But she was having none it! She gave me such a hard time! Even with her German accent, I should have gotten the message,” he laughs. “My buddies told me she was not interested, but I told them right then and there that they were looking at the woman I was going to marry and I’m so thankful I did. My wife, Anne, has been a huge source of support. She believes in me and everything that I or we do. We are a great team. Our team also includes Bella (17), Mia (15), and Max (11).”

Once Frentz makes his mind up, he’s all in. And that starts with being “all in” in his relationships, both personal and professional. continued > MARCH/APRIL 2018

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The Frentz Factor

“In all of my business ventures, my experiences have proven to be better with a partner. You can run your ideas off of them, you have someone there when it’s not so easy and you can talk it through with them. Truly, it’s just good to know you are not alone. It’s pretty valuable,” he says.

Also not lost on Frentz, is the value of having a hometown and the importance of embracing it.

“My dad always instilled in us - and I truly believe in this too—‘You have to live somewhere, why not live here where you have support and family that has been in this area for over 150 years’; in fact, my dad and uncle actually wrote a book about our family and their experiences here in Mankato. So he said, make a home and make a living here and then just visit other places if you want, travel.”

Frentz remains in West Mankato not too far from his boyhood home and raising his own family there, but also seeing the world as much as he can.

“I always knew I wanted to have my own business.

So when I was graduating from college, I didn’t interview for a job, or a position in a company somewhere else. I thought, I’ll go and start my own thing in Mankato. The family business was law but I didn’t want to be an attorney.”

“I’ve been to maybe 26 countries and all over the United States,” he says. “I strongly believe that Mankato is the best town, in the best state, in the best country. So really, why live anyxwhere else?”

Location was one thing, there was something else he just never had a doubt about.

“I always knew I wanted to have my own business. So when I was graduating from college, I didn’t interview for a job, or a position in a company somewhere else. I thought, I’ll go and start my own thing in

Mankato. The family business was law but I didn’t want to be an attorney.”

His own thing has turned out to be a variety of business enterprises...from bagel shops to towering buildings to underground fiber. But while his business interests shift with the trends, his heart stays in one place.

“I’m happy to have played whatever part I’ve played in helping with Mankato’s City Center. I’ve tried to be very involved because I care. And I’m proud to be a part of it,” he says.

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MARCH/APRIL 2018

TIMELESS

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LLC

In this interview, Frentz opens up about his companies that include Neutral Path Communications, a company that had big news right at press time: Zayo Group Holdings, a major industry player, announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Neutral Path for a significant amount. But read closely, within each answer you’ll find nuggets of knowledge that will help give you a greater understanding of what makes this forwardthinking dreamer so successful and what he believes is the best investment a person can make in both business and in life.

I think an entrepreneurial spirit is part natural, but also part learned.

You certainly have it! Where do you think it comes from?

A great deal has to do with my upbringing and my mom and dad. My mom was an artist and my dad was an attorney. But really his passion was business. So as I was growing up he was always telling me how great it was to be a businessman and particularly to start up your own business and be your own boss. My mom had a lot of spirit and charisma and said do whatever your heart tells you to do and you will be ok. Two of my great great grandfathers had substantial businesses in Mankato before 1900, as did my great grandfather, my grandfather and my father. In high school I tended to read books that were based on that. And I always had this voice in my head saying, ‘I am going into business for myself, start my own business.’ And I did.

What was your very first business?

My first business was a little golf ball business that I started with a buddy in 7th grade. I mean, it wasn’t some big time deal but we would go into the woods and find all the golf balls and then sell them. It was called Golf Balls Inc. It was my first try at running my own business and I just caught the bug from there. That led into college where I had my own businesses selling t-shirts in the dorms and trips to Mazatlan.

I would also host events and charge people to get in to them. I was making money. So I knew from an early age that what I wanted to do was own my own business. I didn’t know what specifically, but I knew that is what I was going to do.

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MARCH/APRIL 2018

CONNECT Business Magazine

9

The Frentz Factor

When you graduated college you graduated from golf balls and t-shirts to bagels!

Yes, my first big business, Bagel Brothers, I started with my brother-in-law, Keith Adams, in Mankato when I graduated in 1994.

We gradually built it up to five stores; two in Mankato, and one in Northfield, Owatonna and Faribault.

So we built that up through the 90s and in about 2000 and 2001 I started seeing some signs I didn’t like. Things like Panera moving to town, and the Atkins diet craze was getting huge, so I saw various things coming into play that made me nervous for that business. Plus by that time I realized my true passion was to create things, develop things, build them...that’s the fun part for me. And that’s where my passions still are today. If I don’t have passion for something, I’m not going to be very good at it. So that’s one of my core beliefs is that you have to love what you are doing and I loved building those stores.

In 2000 we made a decision we weren’t going to build any more stores and that was it for me. I just lost all of my interest in the business because I don’t have passion for just running something.

That’s not exciting to me. That’s when I thought to go into construction because I had been the general contractor on all the bagel stores; I knew how to do that side of it. So through bagels, I learned that running projects, building things, that’s what I wanted to do. My brother-in-law and I were equal partners in that, so I sold my half to him and formed Frentz Construction.

The Frentz Factor

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vintagefinehomesmn.com 35 Years of Fine Home Building Lic# BC003621

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MARCH/APRIL 2018

In interviewing Tony, I realize he truly finds what he does professionally...fun. So I asked him what he enjoys outside the office.

“A lot of my free time off work revolves around Anne and the kids. I love going to their events, whether that’s a game or a performance... there are a lot of them!

Traveling is our favorite activity outside of Mankato. Most of the activities I like to do involve being outside. We have a cabin on Lake Superior and some land outside of Mankato and they are two of the places we love the most, being outside on walks with our puppy, hunting pheasants, hiking, downhill skiing, and just being outside. Most of the time I’m outside I am trying to relax although it is also the best place for me to figure out direction with work and personal items with my phone turned off.”

Neubau Holdings | Mankato

“We learned how a vibrant arts community can add to the quality of life and economic value in a city. I really liked the idea and with the help of people like Shannon Robinson, I was excited to create Emy Frentz Arts Guild, which I named after my mother.”

That was primarily residential construction?

Yes, I started only doing residential. Then before the 2007 crash came, I started getting a little bit into commercial construction which led me to start buying my own buildings and getting into development.

What was the first building you purchased?

The first building I bought was on Cherry Street on a contract for deed so it was the perfect first step and it really helped me start to build my knowledge of the process. I had already read a number of books on real estate. Real estate is a very good business to get into.

The Frentz Factor

Favorite Far Away Place “If I had to name one place I’ve been that stands out as a favorite it would still be Salzburg, Austria. Right after I graduated from college I got to take a backpacking trip around Europe with a couple of friends.

Prior to getting to Salzburg we had been in some countries that were extremely hot and humid and we were starting to get on each other’s nerves. When we got off the train in the valley of Salzburg it was absolutely beautiful, exactly how it looked in the movie Sound of Music that I watched with my family a lot when we were kids and the weather was perfect, sunny and cool. We ended up spending a lot of time looking at the cultural sites listed in the Let’ Go Guild and then in the beer gardens meeting other kids who were traveling around and had a blast.”

MARCH/APRIL 2018

CONNECT Business Magazine

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EIDE LIKE I’D LIKE A CLEARER PICTURE OF TAX REFORM

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act represents the most significant overhaul of our tax laws in over 30 years. The act contains substantial changes to the taxation of businesses, individuals, multi-national companies, tax-exempt organizations and others.

Businesses large and small are considering the numerous changes that may affect them. The following outlines some key business-related provisions included in the act.

Corporate Tax Rate: The top corporate tax rate was reduced to 21 percent on January 1. The 21 percent rate is a “flat” tax that will apply regardless of a regular corporation’s taxable income.

Personal service corporations will also be subject to the 21 percent rate. The act also repeals the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017.

Pass-Through Income: For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the act generally allows a new deduction for individuals, trusts and estates of 20 percent of the domestic qualified business income generated by certain soleproprietorships and pass-through entities (partnerships, S corporations and LLCs). Depending on taxable income, the deduction may be subject to a limit based on wages paid by the business or wages paid plus a capital amount, and certain service business activities may not qualify for the deduction.

This deduction is slated to expire after 2025 like most other individual tax provisions in the act. In light of the tax rate

changes, pass-through owners may want to re-evaluate the pros and cons of their current business structure.

Cash Method of Accounting for “Small” Businesses: The act increases the gross receipts threshold for regular corporations and partnerships with regular corporation partners (other than tax shelters) that can use the cash method of accounting to $25 million. In light of this change, affected taxpayers now using the accrual method of accounting may want to consider a change to the cash method.

Meals and Entertainment Expenses: The act eliminates, after 2017, deductions for entertainment, amusement or recreation expenses, membership dues for clubs and expenses for facilities related to these items. While taxpayers will still be able to deduct 50 percent of meal expenses associated with operating their businesses—the act extends the 50 percent deduction limit to employeroperated eating facilities through 2025.

An Informed Approach: Businesses have much to consider in the changing tax landscape. It is important to discuss your situation with qualified tax advisors and consider the best options moving forward to take advantage of available opportunities.

By: Heather Thielges, Partner

Heather has been advising and serving businesses in a variety of businesses for more than 15 years. She is an active member of the Mankato community, serving on the YWCA and YMCA board. She was awarded the Greater Mankato Yellow Rose for her dedication to advancing the status of women and commitment to community.

Contact at 507.386.6225 or hthielges@eidebailly.com.

Neubau Holdings | Mankato

You have tenants who pay you rent and allow you to build equity.

That first building showed me exactly how it worked. I had a few tenants in there. The Emy Frentz Arts Guild was another big step.

I had been on a trip with Mankato’s InterCity Leadership group to Fort Collins, Colorado to see how that city enhanced their city center.

We toured an arts building that had individual studios where the artists could work outside of their homes and interact with other artists. We learned how a vibrant arts community can add to the

The Frentz Factor

Family Side of Frentz Tony and his wife Anne have been married since 1999. They have three children: Bella, 17; Mia, 15; and Max, 11. Tony also remains close to his father.

“My dad is like a rock,” says Tony. “He is one of my main advisors. I can go to my dad and bounce all of my stuff off him. Sometimes he doesn’t say much, but it’s just good sometimes to talk about it out loud. Sometimes he just gives me subtle advice. (Tony grins) So like if I come up with an idea he might shrug and say, ‘Well, yes, I suppose you could do that’. He says it in a way that I know he thinks not the best idea.”

Frentz’ Other Business Interests • Ownership interest in Chankaska Winery • Tandem Bagels—owns with wife and other partners • Developer of Indian Lake Preserve, a residential community in Mankato

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MARCH/APRIL 2018

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The Frentz Factor

WHEN DOWNTIME ISN'T AN OPTION

quality of life and economic value in a city.

I really liked the idea and with the help of people like Shannon Robinson, I was excited to create Emy Frentz Arts Guild, which I named after my mother. It now houses the Twin River Council for the Arts, Mankato Symphony Orchestra and many artists’ studios.

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MARCH/APRIL 2018

Not really that simple though, right? The risk comes in making sure you can find tenants! Do you work with a broker?

We really have not done that at all.

Mankato is a fairly small town so we know most of the people. I just start talking to people. I’ll approach someone I think would be a good fit for the building. I am on the transaction side and Rob is the board/ operations person.

That is my passion. I love taking stuff that really wasn’t that great and doing a renovation and making it something new.

That’s what I like about real estate and development in addition to creating equity.

I started with the Cherry Street building and then I scaled it up, I just kept on getting more and more. And they’ve been getting bigger and bigger and the biggest one is coming!

Yes, you made quite a leap from the building on Cherry Street to tackling the Graif building. Was the larger scale of that project what made you decide to get a partner?

At the time it seemed like a pretty big undertaking. There hadn’t been that many examples here of older buildings getting completely gutted and renovated up to a Class A level and then being able to rent them. There just wasn’t that history here, but I felt it could be done. I was on a birthday trip with my friend Rob Else and I said ‘hey, I’m going to buy this Graif building and I’d feel a lot better if I had a partner.’ So ultimately, he said okay let’s do it and we did it.

I really can’t stress how much I appreciate partners. One thing that has happened throughout all the businesses I’ve done is that I’ve tried to surround myself with really good people. People that have deep knowledge in what they are doing. I’ve done that from the very beginning.

Neubau Holdings | Mankato

So with Frentz Construction, for example, I teamed up with a very good friend of mine from high school, Benji Duea.

After school he went to Colorado and built multi-million-dollar homes and buildings. I knew he had that skill set that I needed, so he came back to work with me. I had the general contracting experience from doing the bagel stores so we complemented each other well.

I’ve kept that theme going of surrounding myself with people and partners that are really knowledgeable and really good.

My general manager, Torie Holden, has been with me for over 10 years. I think that is the key to success, just surround yourself with exceptional people.

“There was the property on the corner of 2nd and Main that needed to be developed. Our hope was that it would spur the same kind of renaissance on this side of the City Center Core and be a gateway pillar.”

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It’s all about relationships. It’s part of our philosophy: surround yourself with great people. But, and this is a very big but, they have to be themselves. I don’t want people to act differently depending on the situation or who they are with. Like myself for example, I am always the same. How I am with you, is how I am with Rob and with everyone. I don’t have a different side, a fake side. And I want everyone around me to be that way. The relationships are everything.

That’s how you fill buildings, get deals done and build a solid reputation. People like you and they believe in you and they trust you.

And of course after with the Graif purchase you and Rob decided to

BUSINESS BANKING

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The Frentz Factor

make it a more permanent situation and not just one and done.

Yes, in 2007 we established Neubau Holdings. Neubau is German for building.

My wife is from Berlin and we just like the sound of it.

The Graif building was a great first project for Neubau and quickly led to more opportunities.

Definitely. We filled it pretty quickly with some great tenants. The construction on a building that age is very tricky though. We had a lot of hurdles to overcome with that project, a lot of sleepless nights. We weren’t even done with it yet and we heard there was an opportunity with the HECO building next door, which is now the US Bank Center. Even that opportunity came from a relationship. I knew the family that owned it. They lived in Amsterdam at that time and wanted to get rid of it. So it was a good deal, but a little nerve-wracking because it came

before we were even done with the Graif Building! I just thought...Do I go all in here or what? But we finally just said, let’s do it. And it was a leap because we didn’t have any tenants.

We paid 2.1 million for it but knew it needed a number of millions more invested into it to get it to look like it does now. But as I mentioned, once we decide to do something, we go for it! We moved quickly to get tenants secured. Once US Bank and ISG committed we felt a lot better. Of course, Todd Loosbrock and Chad Surprenant had a lot to do with this deal and we have always appreciated that. The thing about development though, is you can let that guide you. If we wouldn’t have gotten those tenants, we probably wouldn’t have done the renovation to the level we did. We had a decision, do we go big or go home. We went big. It was worth it and we have a beautiful building with great tenants.

That has given us the confidence to take on even bigger buildings...and risks.

Yes, that leads me to ask about your current project that’s popping up on the corner of Main and Second Streets. That’s going to change the landscape of the City Center yet again.

Yes, here’s how that came about. We saw what Tailwind was planning to build on Front Street and it was extremely exciting; it was going to be transformational. Before their project, there was a metal shed and a wooden fence along Riverfront Drive.

In Tailwind’s example, the whole area has been completely rejuvenated, with different styles including new storefronts like the very cool hand-painted bee on the 410 Project building. That is now the exact kind of area young and old alike want to spend time in. So I talked to Rob and I said “we have to build a new building!” (he laughs) It inspired us to look around for other opportunities and there was the property on the corner of 2nd and Main that needed to be developed. Our hope was that it would spur the same kind of

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“As I’ve said, I have had many sleepless nights. During these times I keep going over and over the issue until the best solution comes forward. That solution is not always perfect but you have to keep going.” renaissance on this side of the City Center Core and be a gateway pillar. I knew the owner, Tom Holmstrom, so I approached him but it was a long process. I talked to him probably close to two years and finally got the deal done. I actually had talked to him a few years before also and at that time he had national brands looking at it so he knew it was worth some money. Ultimately we made a deal with him.

So we had the land, then the challenge was to figure out what to do with it! Because when you buy a whole property like that you are all in. You can’t just leave it.

You bought without really knowing what you were going to do or who you would secure for tenants?

I believe if you are going to succeed in the type of career I have chosen, you must have a high tolerance for risk and stress because you are going to have plenty of both. So yes, that was a little stressful. But we got to work on drafting what the building could look like and it will be a 20 million dollar project once it is all said and done. Now we had to find tenants!

I had just met with Ben Ellingson of Eide Bailly and knew he was thinking about

moving downtown. Which regardless of our building I thought was a good idea, so I encouraged him. Eide Bailly is a professional firm that should be downtown not on the edge of town as they are now. Knowing he had that in the back of his mind, I met with him again and told him we were going to build this great new building and if he wanted to move his 80+ employees there, we would call it Eide Bailly Center. With this project, we are bringing at least three new businesses to the Mankato region with all new jobs, increasing employment of existing employers, and relocating a major employer into the City Center. Also, after some input from friends, we decided to move the restaurant to the 7th floor roof top level along with the event center so there will be some amazing views.

When will that building open?

Construction is starting this spring 2018.

The shell will be up in early summer 2019, with buildouts ready for occupancy in fall of 2019.

MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Neubau Holdings | Mankato

The Frentz Factor

THE ESSENTIALS

Neubau Holdings Phone: (507) 387-6200 Address: 210 East Walnut Street #210 Mankato, Minnesota

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You have Neubau and Tandem, but we really haven’t even talked about your main job yet! In 2011 you founded Neutral Path Communications.

What is that and what is your role?

Neutral Path Communications is a wholesale broadband transport company, providing dark fiber, cross connect, Carrier Hotel and other services to providers of broadband services. We started this company from scratch and put our first cable in the ground between Mankato and Windom. It’s a great example of the value of partnerships and shared skills. I knew absolutely nothing about fiber optics and telecommunications but I had valuable people skills and business experience. Plus I had a background with contractors, banks, government bodies, inspectors and more.

Of the other two principals in the business, Scott Bergs had telecommunications and executive experience and Jay Hanke had extensive engineering, technical and strategic skills. I can’t emphasize enough how much I respect these guys and my other partners. As we developed, I oversaw all of the main line builds of the fiber and headed up the business development in relation to its network development, operations, and relationships with our customers which includes marketing and sales. I also handled the construction management of main line builds. At the end of January, it was announced that Zayo Group Holdings is acquiring substantially all of the assets of the company.

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All of these undertakings seem like they would be very stressful, how do you handle that?

That is a fact, they have been very stressful at times. As I’ve said, I have had many sleepless nights. During these times I keep going over and over the issue until the best solution comes forward. That solution is not always perfect but you have to keep going.

An example is when we were building the Mankato to Minneapolis fiber route. Heavy winter had started and our fiber was not all in the ground. The city of Minneapolis almost daily told me that they were going to have to shut down construction for the season, and of course if you don’t finish the last few feet then many hundreds of miles do not get connected. I did things like basically beg the permitting guy to let us have just a few more days. We did get it done.

As a business owner, do you experience the work force challenges that many others in our region are facing?

It’s getting better, but there is a lot of talk about the ‘brain drain’. Ten years ago in Mankato most of the students didn’t want to stay here. They wanted to go to the city.

But now we are to the point where they are looking around and saying, ‘hey, it is actually pretty cool right here!’ Mankato now has a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues, it’s become a real city and it’s exciting. That is the key. We have these universities here with all this talent, and if you can keep them, well, it’s a very good thing for the region. And that’s what is

happening. We are now urban enough and cool enough that kids want to stay here.

Large employers have to pull people from all over the country. So Mayo Clinic, for example, if they are trying to pull a doctor from the East coast, ten years ago that would have been much harder. But with the quality of life we are creating here, today it’s much easier to recruit from the outside.

You have truly had success in many areas of life. What do you attribute that to?

Again, the people around me are key to making things happen. My wife, Anne and my dad, John Frentz, have always supported my visions and been great sounding boards for me when determining my next move.

They, in one way or another, play a big part in each of my successes. My long standing partner and friend, Rob Else, has also been fundamental in so many undertakings; things I might not have moved forward with on my own. For myself, I just look at the big picture and say, okay that’s what should be done. I decide what I’m doing and then I do it. Every year, I do a goal sheet and whatever I need or want to get done, I put on there. Once I write it down I know it’s going to get done.

What’s on that list for 2018?

I have some exciting things on the horizon...but let’s just say, I’m continually looking for new opportunities and the people to help me make them a reality!

Editor Lisa Cownie writes from Mankato.

E I D E

B A I L LY

C E N T E R

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COWNIE CONNECTION

Words to Live By: Just Keep Swimming “Failure is not an option.”

At the time NASA flight controller Jerry Bostick uttered that phrase, I can see his point. After all, he was on a mission to bring home the damaged Apollo 13. A fitting phrase, given the circumstances.

However, it’s a phrase that has been repeated so many times that it seems it is a part of our psyche, and sometimes makes us so focused on just not failing...that we don’t aim for success. What sometimes happens then, is that not failing is the same as success. Semantics I know. But I have a better quote for you to try on for size.

“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.”

Winston Churchill.

Indeed. Perhaps no wiser words have been spoken. But my goodness, isn’t failure still one of those things we all fear the most? And I am not sure why. History shows us that much can

be gained from failure.

It is said that it took Thomas Edison 1,000 tries...that is 1,000 “failures”, before he invented the light bulb.

“How did it feel to Lisa Cownie fail 1,000 times?” a Editor reporter once asked. “I didn’t fail 1,000 times,” Edison responded. “The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” (via Success.com) Failure shouldn’t be viewed as, well, failure, but instead viewed as life’s greatest teacher.

Business mavericks and sports legends alike use failure as a powerful tool in reaching great success. We’ve all heard the “Michael Jordan got cut as a sophomore” story. (I’ve used that one on all four of my kids.) And just this season after the Vikings loss to the Carolina Panthers, Stefan Diggs told us, “I don’t view it as a loss, but rather as an opportunity to learn.”

Failure and defeat can be life’s greatest teachers, but it seems perhaps there are

company cultures that don’t embrace this way of thinking. In those settings, it seems, employees choose to play it safe, to fly below the radar, operating under the belief that if they make no waves no one will yell at them for failing. So, generally, they never attempt anything great.

I am hoping there will be a shift in this type of company culture. It may already be starting. Failure is not the bad word it used to be. Yes, views are changing about this particular F-word. BusinessWeek recently wrote that many companies are deliberately seeking out those with track records reflecting both failure and success, believing that those who have been in the trenches, survived battle and come out on the other side have irreplaceable experience and perseverance.

The reality is, you are going to fail. And you may even “fail” a lot. After all, it took the swimmer Diana Nyad five tries to swim from Cuba to Florida.

Which reminds me of another famous quote, from Dory in Finding Nemo...no matter what, “Just keep swimming.”

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By James Figy Photo by Kris Kathmann

New facility allows Medieval Metalwerx to expand and pull ahead of competition.

Jesse and Dana Olson on the shop floor of their new Mankato facility in Eastwood Industrial Park.

Growing up in a racing family in Mapleton, it was weird for Jesse Olson if he wasn’t spending a weekend at the track. Whether it was him, his brother, his dad or his mom, someone was always competing.

However, he was just as excited about gunning it down the tracks in Arlington and Fairmont as he was about fiddling with his car’s throttle or suspension at home. Screwdriver or wrench in hand, he always wanted to find ways to make the vehicle work better, drive smoother, go faster.

“I would say I was a born engineer. I was always tinkering with something,” he says. “My dad is an owner-operator truck driver, so we were always working on the semi. And then his passion was building street rods. So since I was born, I’ve been immersed in cars in one fashion or another. And it kind of goes with the family, I think. We all have a kind of tinkerer mentality.

It’s just kind of my nature.”

After years of using his engineering skills and passion for racing at different companies, Olson opened Medieval Metalwerx. Known in the racing world as Medieval Chassis, the company lives up to its slogan, “Go Medieval on the Competition,” by producing high quality products that have generated national interest.

At the company’s Mankato headquarters, workers program computer numerical control machinery to cut metal tubes with a laser and bend them into any shape imaginable. They produce parts for their own cars and for other chassis makers, but they also manufacture parts for outdoor recreation, agriculture, furniture and military uses.

“For us, the passion isn’t just about the chassis,” Olson says. “It’s about all the other parts that we make here.” continued > MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Staying In The Race

Staying In The Race

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MARCH/APRIL 2018

Jesse Olson uses his experiences with racing and engineering to improve Medieval Chassis’ products and invent new solutions to help other racers. But one of the biggest struggles when troubleshooting a problem is figuring out whether it’s the cause or the effect.

A common problem on race cars, for example, is called the “push-loose condition,” Olson says. This occurs when the car is headed into a turn, but instead of turning, it tries to keep going straight. That’s the “push” part. Once the car turns, the front end catches on the track and swings the tail end wildly to the left. That’s the “loose” part.

Both parts are a problem, but it’s impossible to fix them unless you tackle each one in the order that it occurs. This was an issue race car guru Mark Bush, the founder of AFCO Racing, always pointed out, according to Olson.

“He said it best: It’s the trip-and-fall effect.

You don’t want to fix the fall; you want to fix the thing that tripped you,” Olson says.

“Probably the toughest thing for racers is to get them to understand we have to fix that first thing before we can go on to anything else.”

Medieval Metalwerx | Mankato

When Olson started Medieval Metalwerx in his garage more than a decade ago, he didn’t plan to build a 30,000-square-foot workshop.

He didn’t plan to expand from producing race car chassis into making custom metal parts for other industries. He didn’t even plan to leave his full-time job. He simply planned to stay busy.

“In 2004, when we actually established the business with the state, it was like, ‘Well, I’ll build a couple cars here or there just to keep me occupied,’” he says. “And it wasn’t any more than that at that time.”

However, Medieval Metalwerx continued to evolve and expand, requiring it to move into its new, larger facility in August 2017. The company had to add equipment and employees to keep up with business. It now includes Olson and his wife, Dana Olson, half a dozen full-time employees and three part-timers.

“Until 2015, it was basically myself and one other full-time employee and a couple part-time guys. That’s really all the business could sustain as far as the timeframe that we could produce cars throughout the year. We have an on season and off season as far as producing cars, so we were just maxed out at that,” he says. “We

Staying In The Race

Wins, Word of Mouth Provide Best Advertising Growing up around local racetracks, Jesse Olson knew the old Nascar saying: “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.” However, it wasn’t until he started his own company that it really hit home.

A big win can boost sales for a car manufacturer, and Medieval Chassis saw a bump after two of its cars won the IMCA Stock Car National Championship in 2010 and 2011.

But finishing in first doesn’t just prove the car and its parts are high quality. It also gets those in the racing world who are looking for the hottest, fastest equipment to spread the word about the manufacturer. And racers, Olson says, are talkers.

“You could spend $100,000 on advertising in newspapers and whatever, and it wouldn’t do a bit of good,” he says. “It’s all about one racer saying to another, ‘This is a good product.’”

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Staying In The Race

really had to take it to the next level with the equipment and the facility to expand our workforce.”

Building race cars was the original goal for Medieval Metalwerx.

After all, racing is a large part of Olson’s and his family’s story. It was something he did as a kid, and it’s how he and his wife met. They first crossed paths at the International Motor Contest Association’s Fall Nationals in Hays, Kansas. Now, as their kids — Mackenzie, Kendyl and Degan — grow up, it’s a part of their lives as well.

“They’re really into racing too,” Dana Olson says. “They love going to the races and being a part of all of it.”

Jesse Olson continues to race partly because he enjoys it and partly because it helps him in designing new products. Before any other racers use a Medieval Chassis part on their cars, he personally tries it on his own.

“I use myself as the testing for any changes that I want to do or any products that I want to put out there. I’ll be the mule to make sure it works properly and it’s durable and all that,” he says. “It has value for the customers when the customers know, ‘Oh, you drive that race car that you’re trying to sell me? So you’ll know when I call you and say I’m having this problem where the car feels like this.’”

Medieval Metalwerx sells between 30 to 40 chassis each year, but each of those is at a varying level of completion. Some customers simply want a powder-coated frame, because they would like to do most of the work. Some want a turnkey car that has been entirely

A Medieval Metalwerx race car frame.

assembled, tested on a race track and dialed in. Others want the car to be somewhere in between, not just the skeleton but not quite complete. The prices typically range from $5,000 to $30,000.

“Most of the clientele that we cater to are on the higher end, so we do more of the cars that are pretty close to them just putting a motor and drive line in,” Olson says. “They make their money doing their work or owning their business, and we do our work. We usually have those types of people versus the person that just buys a chassis and does everything else.”

Staying In The Race

Driver Goes Medieval on the Competition Few people have as much experience with Medieval Chassis cars as Justin Remus. For the past three years, Remus has driven the company’s house car at races across the state. Between 40 to 50 nights each season, he sits in the driver’s seat, pushing the equipment to the limit.

What he appreciates most about working with Olson and the crew at Medieval Metalwerx is their ability to look at things from a racer’s perspective and make improvements quickly.

“There’s that willingness to work and listen to other people’s ideas that you don’t get everywhere.

There’s several manufacturers out there that have their directive in mind and that’s all it’s going to be,” Remus says. “With this [Medieval Chassis], there’s multiple different ways that the interaction is built to that specific chassis and that specific customer.”

The company doesn’t manufacture on a large scale, 26

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but every car they build is put together with incredible quality, according to Remus. This is a big step up from other cars he has driven.

“I’ve been in several cars that you can keep making changes and keep making changes and it doesn’t really seem to affect the chassis itself,” he says. “In these cars, you can have simple adjustments that improve the car quickly, and the finish on the car is immaculate.”

Although some other companies’ cars haven’t met safety standards in recent years, Remus has never had a doubt about the car he drives.

“There was a big deal that came through this year where some manufacturers were reducing the thickness of their steel in safety areas. Well, those corners aren’t cut with a Medieval car,” he says. “The measures and everything is correctly done. Whereas with some manufacturers, you don’t have the consistency from one to the next.”

Medieval Metalwerx | Mankato

As his business continued to grow, he moved it out of his garage and into a facility in Mayer in 2007. Things really took off after Medieval Chassis cars won the national IMCA tournaments in 2010 and 2011, and the company needed to expand again.

Racing is important to Olson on a personal level, but on the business level, it made sense to expand into other products that he could make with the same tools. Chassis orders are largely seasonal, so manufacturing other products creates more stability year-round.

“We saw a void in this area where we could fill with the equipment that we have. So that’s where we are today,” he says. “We invested in a tube laser, a CNC bender and some ancillary equipment to go with it to support the chassis side but also to do contract manufacturing.”

Like race cars, the CNC tube laser and bender are precision machines, so the entire operation relies on fine tuning. This is right up Olson’s alley.

Because he has always loved to tinker, it was a natural step for Olson to pursue a degree in automotive engineering from Minnesota State University, Mankato, after high school. What he liked about the program was that it didn’t lean too heavily on only book smarts or only practical application. Instead, his professors presented a

mix of the two aspects. They focused on how to think and look up information, rather than constant memorization, he says.

“We learned about systems and how the physics and the chemistry gets applied to stuff you might use day to day in one fashion or another,” he says. “That was a huge one for me, and I still use a lot of that information day in and day out.”

Olson went to work at Redline Snowmobiles and Arctic Cat after graduation, where he focused on improving suspension on snowmobiles. But although it provided useful experience, it wasn’t his dream.

When Olson started Medieval Metalwerx in 2004, he and his family were living in Thief River Falls, where one of the main Arctic Cat campuses is located. However, as his business continued to grow, he moved it out of his garage and into a facility in Mayer in 2007. Things really took off after Medieval Chassis cars won the national IMCA tournaments in 2010 and 2011, and the company needed to expand again. The recent move to the Mankato facility

MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Staying In The Race

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“I always had the mentality that there’s nothing in this company that I haven’t done or won’t do,” he says. “I’ve scrubbed toilets. I’ve swept the floor. I wanted to be the leader that basically is out here getting his hands dirty.” brought Olson closer to his roots, near his hometown and his alma mater where he still keeps in touch with his former advisor.

Although Medieval Metalwerx has moved and grown, the workplace retains a family environment. Most of the day, three Great Danes and a Yorkshire Terrier wander the shop between naps. The radio blares Creedence Clearwater Revival and other classic rock tunes across the large, open warehouse. During breaks from school, the Olsons’ three children are often around, taking rides down the shop on their bikes or keeping watch over the laser cutter. It also helps that several employees actually are family.

“My brother is the shop manager, my sister works here and [so does] my wife,” he says.

“It’s all family here, so we have a lot of fun.

We treat everybody else like family, too.”

The Olsons like to allow employees some flexibility in their schedules. It’s no problem to leave early one day to do things with the family as long as that employee makes up the hours another day. The goal is for people to be happy to work there, according to Dana Olson.

“I want people to wake up in the morning and want to come, not feel like they have to go to work,” she says.

This is the kind of workplace Jesse Olson has appreciated ever since one of his first jobs at a family friend’s welding shop.

Although the people there did a number of different jobs, no one pretended to be any

Medieval Metalwerx | Mankato

THE ESSENTIALS

Medieval Metalwerx Phone: (507) 386-3930 Address: 3000 Technology Drive Mankato, Minnesota Web: medievalmetalwerx.com Facebook: Medieval Metalwerx

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more important than anybody else, and the amiable atmosphere left a distinct impression. “They all ate lunch together, and it was one big family and a lot of fun,” he says.

Olson carried this idea into his role as an engineering manufacturer at Alumacraft.

Different managers took different approaches, but he wanted everyone to know that in the end they all had the same goal.

“I always had the mentality that there’s nothing in this company that I haven’t done or won’t do,” he says. “I’ve scrubbed toilets. I’ve swept the floor. I wanted to be the leader that basically is out here getting his hands dirty.”

It is still a fairly recent concern for Olson, because for many years he was the only one getting his hands dirty at Medieval Metalwerx. The company’s transformation in recent years from a hobby that one man could do in his garage to a multi-person operation in giant commercial workshop has been impressive. However, looking ahead to the future, Olson expects things to keep growing.

The plan is to keep expanding each aspect of the business. Olson would like to win more manufacturing contracts for tube bending and laser services as well as put more time into designing new cars and products. It’s important to him to grow both parts at an equal rate.

“Everyone always focuses on the chassis side, which, obviously, is the fun side. The equipment is there to support that, but the equipment is at the cutting edge of the manufacturing industry side, too,” he says.

“That’s our focus going forward — using this equipment to do our thing in the racing industry, but then also using this equipment to better those industries that we’re serving.”

Paul Shneider

L I T I G AT I O N • B U S I N E S S • F A R M • P E R S O N A L

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James Figy writes from Mankato.

MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Your Success.

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STR ATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS SERIES

SPONSORED BY:

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Minnesota State University Mankato and Federated Insurance Form Mutually Beneficial Partnership

O

ne goal of the Minnesota State University, Mankato College of Business Advisory Council is to connect the university with the business community. It’s a mission that Advisory Council members are very passionate about. Due, in part, to the fact that the council members live, work and play in the community and want to see it succeed. The members invest their time, energy, and resources for the betterment of the University, the College of Business, and the community.

The purpose of the COB Advisory Council is to connect businesses and alumni with the university and to provide input on the strategy moving forward. Advisors provide advice in the development and implementation of the College of Business’s Strategic Plan and assist the university in connect-

“This partnership is mutually beneficial to both entities. Business partners can help shape the future workforce by giving input on the strategy used to teach students.”

– Lisa Hyland, Director of Human Resources Federated Insurance

ing with the business community to achieve its goals.

Lisa Hyland, Senior Vice President, Director of Human Resources for Federated Insurance in Owatonna, is a graduate of the University and has served on the COB MARCH/APRIL 2018

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STR ATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS SERIES

SPONSORED BY:

PRESENTED BY:

Advisory Council since 2015.

“This partnership is mutually beneficial to both entities.

Business partners can help shape the future workforce by giving input on the strategy used to teach students,” says Hyland. “We are also actively involved on campus talking to students in the classroom, speaking to clubs, attending career fairs, providing input on program development, and supporting many campus events. We are all looking for employees who are ready to apply their talents to positively impact our organizations and the clients we serve. The College of Business Strategic Plan is preparing students for career success, so it’s a great partnership.”

“Federated Insurance is a “super partner” for so many reasons, including support of scholarships, advisory council representatives, guest speakers, company visits, signature events, mentoring programs and talent recruitment and hiring.”

- Brenda Flannery, Dean, Minnesota State Mankato College of Business

But Hyland says for her, and many of the Advisory Council members, serving on the board is just the beginning of the relationship.

“The faculty and staff at Minnesota State Mankato are wonderful colleagues and friends to Federated. We value the partnership we’ve formed with them. While we certainly seek to make a contribution to MSU, MSU and College of Business Dean Brenda Flannery have been very generous in sharing knowledge and resources to help us build our internal Leadership Development Program for Women.” says Hyland.

Federated offers 7 scholarships annually to students in the College of Business.

The scholarships are tailored to areas that mutually align strategically for both the Lisa Hyland University and for Federated Insurance.

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– Lisa Hyland, Director of Human Resources Federated Insurance

Dean Flannery says the University’s partnership with Federated is invaluable.

“Federated Insurance is a “super partner” for so many reasons, including support of scholarships, advisory council representatives, guest speakers, company visits, signature events, mentoring programs and talent recruitment and hiring,” says Dean Flannery. “What I really appreciate about the leadership of Federated Insurance, including Senior Vice President and College of Business Advisory Council member Lisa Hyland, is the deep commitment to strategically partner and shape the future of the College of Business, the relevancy of our programs and our regional brand.”

According to Hyland, the partnership is definitely a winwin. “Recruiting and retaining well-qualified talent to keep up with our projected business growth is our HR department’s biggest challenge, now and for the foreseeable future.

Taking a proactive approach to finding talent is an important component of our plan. We focus on building high value relationships with our recruiting sources and we dedicate our resources to build relationships on university campuses.

Minnesota State Mankato is a key relationship for us.”

Presently, Federated has 150 employees that are graduates of Minnesota State Mankato, which they say, is the highest number of graduates from any university.

That says a lot about how the company feels about the University and its relationship with the school.

“Graduates from Minnesota State Mankato are a great fit for us. They are well trained and showcase the skills and talents necessary to be successful in our work environment,” Hyland says.

Locally-owned Connect Business Magazine is proud to partner with Radio Mankato’s KTOE to present this ongoing series.

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“Recruiting and retaining well-qualified talent to keep up with our projected business growth is our HR department’s biggest challenge, now and for the foreseeable future.”

MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Madelia The Madelia Community Hospital & Clinic (MCHC) is excited to announce the addition of Nurse Practitioner, Cameron Ryer, to its Family Medicine team.

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Mankato MinnStar Bank announces Aaron Loken has joined the bank as a Senior Commercial Lender. Aaron will be located in the Mankato office at 201 Poplar Street. He has over 15 years of banking experience. Aaron is from the St. Peter area and a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Also, Scott Nelsen has been promoted to Lake Crystal Market Manager. Scott has been with MinnStar Bank for over 3 years as a Commercial Lender in the Mankato office and will now be in the Lake Crystal office as a lender and manager.

CCFBank announces the appointment of Cory Abels to the position of Community Bank President–Greater Mankato area. Abels has been with CCFBank since March 2016, when he joined the company as the St. Peter Market President. Although he will continue to serve the St. Peter market, his role will be based primarily out of the Mankato CCFBank office location on St. Andrews Drive. Abels has been dedicated to serving local communities by participating in the St. Peter Chamber, St. Peter EDA, Rotary Club, and Greater Mankato United Way. In January, Greater Mankato Growth honored its Pathfinder Award recipients.

The Pathfinder Award was created in 1986 to recognize individuals or organizations that, in the spirit of Dr. King, are initiators in the struggle for equal treatment and human rights. The award represents the idea that all people should be treated fairly and equally without the fear of discrimination on any basis.

This year’s Pathfinder Award recipient is

Diana Joseph. Joseph is being honored for fostering deeper ties among community members in ways that nurture empathy and universal respect necessary to support the struggle for equitable treatment and for the recognition of human rights. She brings a spirit of collaboration, open-mindedness, forward-thinking and a positive attitude to any audience in which she reaches.

The Young Pathfinder Award recipient is Lauren Senden. The Business Pathfinder Award goes to Cambria.

Those in Blue Earth, Nicollet and Le Sueur Counties, now have access to rural countywide public transportation for the first time.

After years in the making, TRUE Transit is now offering scheduled routes and community dial-a-ride service to assist those needing to do their shopping, get to the doctor or visit family and friends at an affordable rate. More information about TRUE Transit can be found online at truetransit.org or by calling (800) 560-1575.

Green Seam announces its inaugural Board of Governors, members will serve three years: JO Bailey, VP and General Manager of Radio Mankato (Greater Mankato); Brian Buhr, Dean of the College of Food, Ag and Natural Resources at the University of Minnesota (St. PaulLamberton-Waseca); Marsha Danielson, VP of Economic Development, South Central College (Mankato-Faribault); Marques Doppler, CEO of Profinium, Inc. (Southern Minnesota); Maureen Gustafson, Marketing Director of Gislason & Hunter LLP (Mankato-New Ulm); Jodie Hermer, VP Operations of Compeer Financial (GreenSeam Region); Terri Jensen, VP Real Estate/Appraisal Operations of Upper Midwest Management Corp. (Faribault, New Ulm, New Hope); Wayne Kahler, Chairman of the Board of Kahler Automation Corp. (Fairmont); Gary Koch, VP and General Counsel of Christensen Farms (Sleepy Eye); David Krause, CEO of Pioneer Bank (South Central Minnesota); Matt Lessard, CEO of Eubio Group (Albert Lea); Chad Surprenant, President/CEO of

Carpentry Experts ISG (Mankato-Faribault-Algona, Iowa); Colleen VanBlarcom, Owner/Operator of BAMCO-McDonald’s (Mankato-Northfield-Faribault); Marilyn Wells, Provost and Senior VP for Academic Affairs at Minnesota State University, Mankato (Greater Mankato); Jim Marzolf, Partner, CliftonLarsonAllen (GreenSeam Region).

Maverick ($3,000), ECHO Food Shelf ($3,000), Wellcome Manor Family Services ($1,500), St. Peter Recreation Leisure Services Department, Memory Minder Kits and Memory Café ($1,500), South Central Community College student scholarships ($10,000) and Greater Mankato Area United Way, First Steps ($30,000).

YWCA Mankato has named Dr. Caroline Baerg, Sue Keithahn and Sarah Richards as the 2018 Women of Distinction Honorees.

The event and awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, March 27 at the Verizon Center Grand Hall.

Dr. Caroline Baerg is the Division Chair of the Family Practice Department at Mankato Clinic. Sue Keithahn is President and CEO of ProGrowth Bank. And Sarah Richards is President and CEO of Jones Metal, Inc. Two Young Women of Distinction will also be honored: Chloe Aanenson (11) and Melissa Bradley (30).

The Distinctive Difference Award will go to Pub 500. This award was created in 2012 to recognize a business or organization’s contributions to community life and embody the mission of YWCA. The downtown establishment has built a relationship with YWCA Mankato through catered monthly meals for the Elizabeth Kearney Women’s Leadership Program and graduation ceremonies. Pub 500 provides a warm welcoming environment for all with their compassionate staff, community involvement and inclusive menu options.

For tickets or more information, please visit mankatoywca.org/women-distinction or call (507) 345-4629.

Farrish Johnson Law Office of Mankato is celebrating 125 years in business this year. In recognition of the significant event, the firm is planning a series of events and activities. Farrish Johnson has offices in Mankato and Madelia. The firm’s website can be accessed at farrishlaw.com.

The Kiwanis Holiday Lights Board of Directors announces $62,000 will be donated to the 78 nonprofit organizations that assisted with the event this past year. That is our largest amount to date.

Receiving Mankato Clinic Foundation grants for quarter one are: Greater Mankato Area United Way, Project Community Connect ($1,000), Greater Mankato Diversity Council ($3,000), LEEP ($5,000), Salvation Army of Mankato ($3,000), Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center ($3,000), Centenary United Methodist Church, Holy Grounds Breakfast ($3,000), Minnesota State University – Mankato, Camp

Morken Eckberg Steiner LLC of Mankato and Hutchinson is pleased to announce the addition of Bronson Power, CPA, MBA as partner effective January 1, 2018.

Bronson is a member of the American Society of CPAs and Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants and has 14 years of public accounting and industry experience. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Management from Luther College and his MBA from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Bronson is an active participant in the MN State Mankato Blue Line Hockey Club and the Blue Earth County Recycling Education Committee. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Amber, and his two (and soon to be three) sons.

VINE will once again hold its Over the Edge fundraiser on May 19. Last year, Over the Edge for VINE raised $82,000 which has been designated toward finishing the 5th Floor of the VINE Adult Community Center. They are getting close to the fundraising goal, but still need additional dollars to expand exercise, studio, and meeting spaces on the top floor. For more information, call at (507) 387-1666 or visit overtheedgeforvine.com.

Capstone names Patricia Stockland as Publisher and Darin Rasmussen as Vice President of Digital Product Development.

PrairieCare Medical Group Mankato plans for a two-fold expansion in 2018. The site opened their doors in summer of 2017 with the goal of providing individualized

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CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY

psychiatric care. Now they are expanding their current practice with two board-certified psychiatrists, and a new College Age Intensive Outpatient Program. Psychiatrists Dr. Maria Harmandayan and Dr. Eve Berryhill will lead the extension of services.

Fortune magazine has named U.S. Bank a World’s Most Admired Company, recognizing several of U.S. Bank’s attributes as most admired among all companies and naming it the world’s most admired superregional bank for the eighth consecutive year.

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Consolidated Communications is pleased to announce that two employees in Mankato were recently honored with the company’s top awards. Kelli Bohm recently receive the company’s highest honor, the President’s Award, at the company’s annual employee meeting. The prestigious award is presented to a few select employees who demonstrate extraordinary performance on a project or who continually exceed expectations. Bohm is a project manager III, based in Mankato, who has been with Consolidated Communications for nine years. And Shannon Bishop received the company’s Community Service Award for her work in making a difference in the community. The recognition ties closely with Consolidated Communications’ values and its commitment to build a stronger community. Bishop, a product analyst in Mankato, volunteers much of her time with Mending Spirits Animal Rescue. Consolidated Communications will make a $500 contribution to Mending Spirits in support of Bishop’s volunteer work.

Barb Embacher has been named interim vice president of academic affairs at South Central College (SCC). Prior to this appointment, Embacher served as SCC’s Dean of Career and Technical Education for more than four years. Embacher came to SCC with 14 years’ experience in K-12 education in the Eau Claire and Mankato area public school systems followed by six years serving as vice president for Greater Mankato Growth. Embacher started in this position following the planned retirement of the college’s former academic vice president on December 29, 2017 and will continue in this interim role until June 30, 2018. A nationwide search is currently underway

for a permanent replacement with hopes of having someone in place by July 1, 2018.

In January, ISG joined forces with the reputable architecture and interior design firm, StruXture Architects (StruXture).

Based in Waterloo, Iowa. StruXture’s extensive portfolio in the education, government, healthcare, and civic + culture markets will now be complemented and integrated into ISG’s multi-disciplinary team that will soon span four states, with clients nationwide.

The Mankato Marathon, presented by Mayo Clinic Health System, is excited to have the following charities take part in its 2018 Charities Program: Committee Against Domestic Abuse, Project for Teens, Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, Open Door Health Center, and YMCA LiveSTRONG. In an ongoing effort to offer majors relevant to the needs of today’s workforce, the Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) Board of Regents is pleased to announce new bachelor of arts majors in computer science and special education, a certificate program in paralegal studies, and a preprimary education endorsement.

Connect the Grey is featuring a new collection of art and writing available for purchase online.The company’s website features limited edition art prints and educational eBooks, showcasing the company’s integration of art, science, business, and community, and their support for local creators.

To dig deeper into Connect the Grey’s ideas and take a look at the art available for online purchase, visit connectthegrey.com/ shop. For more information on the shop and how Connect the Grey spotlights art and ideas, contact Pam Coughlan at pam@ connectthegrey.com or 507-327-4621.

True Real Estate is pleased to welcome Real Estate Agent, Tyler Meihak, to their Mankato location. “We are thrilled to have Tyler join our team,” said Jen True, owner of True Real Estate. “Tyler played an important role in the creation of True Real Estate.”

Living in Mankato nearly his entire life has provided Meihak with valuable insights and expertise about the area. He is com-

mitted to the community’s growth and progress and is passionate about the local history, architecture, natural beauty and most importantly—its people. Meihak graduated from Minnesota State University with a major in Urban & Regional Studies, with minors in History and Political Science and studied abroad in South Africa and Ghana. He is dedicated and committed to his clients, addressing their needs and ensuring an enjoyable and beneficial real estate experience for them.

Telecom is excited to be part of Lamberton and the surrounding communities, and intends to make investments to upgrade equipment and services to continue meeting customer needs. The company is looking forward to partnering with Red Rock Central Schools in its work-based learning program and developing students’ interest in technology.

U.S. Bank awarded grants to five nonprofits in the Mankato area totaling $11,500: Junior Achievement, MSU Foundation, Small Business Development Center, MRCI, and Southern MN Initiative Foundation.

Mayor Gary Sturm declared December 21 as “Margaret Derksen Day”, for her many years of service to Mayo Clinic Health Systems, St. James. Also, Friday, December 29 was declared Mark Sturm Day by Mayor Gary Sturm, in honor of Mark’s retirement after 43 years with the City of St. James.

Key positions in St. James have been filled.

Jason Monnens is the new Water Department Superintendent for the City of St. James.

Mark Neilson is the new EMS director for the City of St. James. Kelly Pauling is the new Watonwan County Auditor/Treasurer.

Chris Hart is the new owner of St. James Auto Salvage.

St. James Rotary and Rotary International donated $5,000 toward the construction of the new St. James Dog Park.

Blethen, Gage and Krause is pleased to announce our newest partners, Paul Shneider and Kimberly Literovich. Kim and Paul both focus on Business Law, Estate Planning, and Real Estate Law. We are proud of our new partners’ hard work and dedication to the firm and their clients.

Blethen, Gage and Krause is one of the area’s oldest, most respected law firms providing legal services since 1896.

Financial services firm Edward Jones has been named to Fortune magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies, a ranking of the most respected and reputable companies. Based on a survey of 3,900 executives, directors, analysts and experts, the ranking takes into account nine criteria from investment value and quality of management and products, to social responsibility and the ability to attract talent.

New Ulm NU-Telecom recently made capital donations totaling $23,500 to three local organizations including Turner Hall and State Street Theater in New Ulm and Aurelia Day Care in Aurelia, IA. NU-Telecom applied and received a total of $5,000 additional funds through CoBank’s Sharing Success Program to contribute as well.

NU-Telecom and Red Rock Central Schools are pleased to announce that NUTelecom has purchased RRCNet and assumed operations on February 1. NU-

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Waseca From the Chamber: New membersTasty House Chinese Restaurant, Waseca Economic Development Authority, The Chamber welcomes Pamela Paul, Communications Assistant. The Chamber Ambassadors presented Progress awards to Nashville Saloon, The Speckled Hen, Ward House Brewery, J-C Press, Chicos Auto Repair, Edward Jones-Ben Salaba, Federal Correctional Institution new warden Nanette Barnes. Roots award was presented to Crystal Valley, a long standing business in Waseca. Roots is an award given to a business that has been in business for over 30 years or more in the community.

Waseca Area Chamber has a new MN Job Match portal, this tool is designed to bring employers and job seekers together in a more efficient manner. This tool revolutionizes the recruiting process connecting businesses with qualified candidates.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE

A Day In The Life There are self-help books, motivational blogs and leadership symposiums to help the business and entrepreneurial-minded make the most of each day to maximize productivity. Connect Business Magazine, though, recognizes we have great resources right in our own communities. So we are going right to local business leaders to give all of you a glimpse into how they manage their days. The goal is that readers may be able to take away little tidbits to incorporate into their own lives to be at their best in and out of the office!

Symphony Board, or being a mom of 3, she tackles each role with zesto! Here’s a glimpse into how she does it all day in and day out for family and community.

Shannon Beal Realtor, JBeal Homes – Mankato Shannon Beal, Realtor at JBeal Homes, certainly believes in making the most out of life. Whether it’s helping people find their dream home, or playing the piano, or planning a performance for the Mankato

I marvel at women like you who manage everything so well...you are a mom, a business leader and very involved in the community. What is one routine or “thing” you have that helps you manage everything?

A good routine for me is beginning each day with a run. I started running a few years ago and really enjoy it. My husband Jason and I even ran our first 10k at the Mankato Marathon this fall to celebrate our 10-year anniversary! I like the solitude of it, listening to great music, being in nature and prepping for the day.

And one thing that I’m very dependent on is my Google Calendar! I’m a pretty organized person and I’ve found the online calendar to be extremely helpful when jug-

gling work appointments, the activities of my three kids, volunteerism, and of course, the social calendar! I get a big kick out of color-coding everyone. Staying organized is a must for me. I used to be able to coordinate all the schedules a week in advance, but now I’m too busy to look two days ahead.

I just take one day at a time.

What is your favorite thing about being in real estate?

I’m very blessed to have found a career that I love. Selling real estate isn’t work for me, I truly enjoy it. I’m one of those weird people who look forward to Monday. My favorite thing is, of course, the people.

Meeting so many great people from our community (or people new to our community) and being a part of their lives during such a momentous occasion, really creates a unique connection. And each new listing presents the opportunity to market a property in a unique way. I love the

COWNIE CONNECTION

graphic design and online marketing that each listing affords.

You are very involved in the community, why do you feel it so important to give back?

Being involved in the place that I call home is very important to me for several reasons. I believe in leaving a place in better shape than I found it. I believe in creating a fantastic place for my children to call home. I believe that living in the Mankato community is phenomenal, and want my clients to believe me when I tell them that!

I love being involved with organizations that are meaningful to me. I went to college to be a music teacher and am a classical pianist myself, so being involved with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra has been very rewarding. I’m currently the chair of the board and love being involved at this level. There are so many fantastic board members, musicians, staff and patrons who love music as much as I do that it’s a very natural fit. The Mankato Symphony Orchestra has been producing top-notch performances and I encourage everyone to attend a show. It’s quite a blessing to have this level of music in our community. I’m also the chair of the grant committee for the Educare Foundation and love staying involved in education by funding grants to the classrooms in the school district

through this great foundation.

Do you have a mentor or someone that helps you in business and life?

Real estate is one of the few careers where the majority are women. I’m surrounded by a number of great women selling real estate in our community and I feel proud to work with them and stay inspired by the work that they’re doing.

My dad was a wonderful man who gave back to our hometown. He set a great example in supporting his community, humbly, without being asked, and for making community feel like family.

My husband Jason is my daily mentor.

Yes, he’s my boss at work, but we are truly great friends and business partners. He’s taught me in so many ways that it doesn’t so much matter what you say to people, but how you make them feel. We consider clients to be family and value the client experience right up there with making a sound investment, and I can attribute a lot of the culture we have at JBeal to him.

Often, I hear friends tell me that they could never work with their spouse, but I consider myself very lucky.

Where would be your dream vacation?

On a beach with no cell service! I love reading, so getting away and ploughing through 3-4 books in a week is always great.

EIDE LIKE

What is one important lesson you’ve learned over the past five years or so?

Oh, there are so many! I strive daily to “work hard and be kind”. But the most recent life lesson for me has been, “everyone you meet knows something you don’t”. To me that statement serves as a reminder to truly listen and learn from everyone I encounter. And on the flip side, to be brave and vulnerable enough to share myself with the people I meet. To be sincere, cut through the superficial and get to the meaningful. We all have a story to share, right?

BIZ BRIEF ●● JBeal Homes 3 Civic Center Plaza #210 Mankato, Minnesota 56001 ●● Shannon is a mom of three, agent for JBeal Real Estate Group, and involved in the following: REALTORS Assoc. of Southern Minnesota Special Events Committee; REALTORS Assoc. of Southern Minnesota MLS Committee; Educare Foundation Board of Directors; Chair of Grants Committee; Mankato Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors; Chair of Marketing Committee

I’D LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT NAMING BENEFICIARIES FOR MY INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (IRA)

The most basic consideration regarding beneficiaries is naming a primary and contingent beneficiary. The primary beneficiary(s) is the first in line to receive the IRA assets upon the account owner’s death, while the contingent beneficiary is second in line. Married individuals often name their spouse as the primary beneficiary and children as contingents. If, however, the spouse were to pre-decease the owner, the assets would go to the children.

It’s important for account owners to review their beneficiary designations periodically to ensure they’re current. One may wish to change the beneficiary, but unless the change is made in writing, the original beneficiary will be entitled to the assets if the account owner passes.

For example, if a divorced individual re-married but never updated his designation to reflect his new wife as his beneficiary, his ex-wife would be fully entitled to the proceeds of the IRA. The new wife would likely receive nothing.

There are many facets of IRAs that go beyond this brief discussion.

Please contact me if you have questions about maximizing the value and efficacy of your of IRA for yourself and your beneficiaries.

By: Ryan Spaude, CFP® Ryan Spaude has more than 21 years of experience as a Certified Financial Planner and enjoys helping his clients create a plan for their future.

Contact at 507.304.6926 or rspaude@eidebailly.com

Financial Advisor offers Investment Advisory Services through Eide Bailly Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through United Planners Financial Services, Member of FINRA and SIPC. Eide Bailly Financial Services, LLC is the holding company for Eide Bailly Advisors, LLC. Eide Bailly Financial Services and its subsidiaries are not affiliated with United Planners.

MARCH/APRIL 2018

CONNECT Business Magazine

39

COLLABORATION CONNECTION — SPECIAL REPORT

Waseca Tries to Rekindle Entrepreneurial Spirit of the Past Waseca city leaders are planning for the future, by studying the past.

Waseca, like many rural cities, has had many notable entrepreneurs such as EF Lisa Cownie Johnson (EF Johnson Editor Company), Bumps Brown (Brown Printing), and George Herter (Herter’s Outdoor Goods). As they grew their companies, they spawned many other ventures in Waseca many of which are still around.

“We want to recharge the entrepreneurial pipeline as a dynamic future is created in Waseca,” says Gary Sandholm, Waseca Economic Development Coordinator.

The first step in initiating this recharge was forming B.E.S.T., the Business Entrepreneurial Support Team. B.E.S.T. is a countywide organization that promotes business growth and community improvement. One idea B.E.S.T. has been kicking around over the past year and half is the idea of shared space for entrepreneurs. And in January, this idea became a reality. A facility known as The Park is now open. The Park is a shared office space that provides inexpensive work spaces for entrepreneurs, or other small businesses that might not have their own facility.

“The Park is in the old Park Theater hence its name,” explains Sandholm. “The building was recently purchased by Dave and Sue Vigstol as a location for their estate sales business. Turns out, they didn’t actually need much of the space in the building and had no immediate plans on using the extra room. So Erin Wagner, with B.E.S.T. of Waseca County, talked with them about the shared space project and they were interested in the concept.”

The amenities initially are desk space, internet connection, conference room, and 40

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“So I am renting desk space at The Park, which will give me the opportunity to change locations from time to time. It will also make it easier to focus for longer stretches, and puts me in contact with more people from the community.” the option to rent closed office space. As the concept and the building evolves, more amenities will come to fruition.

“One additional benefit to the community is that, although our activities in The Park are focused on entrepreneurs, it is also available to remote workers and freelancers/ self-employed.

I’ve been self employed since before moving to Waseca, and since I did not have a group of co-workers to interact with, the process of finding a niche for myself in the community was a bit more lengthy than it is for most people. This can fill that void for folks like me,” says Wagner.

Wagner heads up the marketing and business development for Smartbeat, a video baby monitor with breath detection that can alert parents if their child is not sleeping safely. The company is currently in beta and hoping to be available for purchase early this summer. Wagner loves the work, but is a remote worker.

“The rest of the Smartbeat team is based out of state, so I have been working from home rather than from the company headquarters,” she says. “While I love the flexibility, I can go days without leaving the house, simply because work and rest are all in the same location. So I am renting desk space at The Park, which will give me the opportunity to change locations from time to time. It will also make it easier to focus for longer stretches, and puts me in contact with more people from the community.”

The Park is located at 218 North State Street. Owner Sue Vigstol says she is

pleased with the way The Park has come together. “I am glad the B.E.S.T. group approached us,” she says. “We were just going to use the extra space for an occasional estate sale or storage. But now it’s a beautiful space where anyone can rent a space to work, or we even have a classroom.

There are lots of ways the shared space can be used.”

Sandholm says the importance of this project can be seen in the potential that it can unleash in Waseca.

He says, “It provides a businesslike space where entrepreneurs can develop business concepts and plans, will help build a network of entrepreneurs that can help each other solve problems and better take advantage of opportunities, provide a stepping stone from a kitchen table idea to actually starting a business and be a place where members can meet with SBDC, SCORE, and other business service providers for business assistance.”

Wagner agrees, The Park should open some doors in the city.

“I think The Park will play a key role in helping Waseca nurture its entrepreneurial talent. A co-working space alone wouldn’t create a cultural shift, but there are various other entities in town working to support entrepreneurs, such as B.E.S.T. of Waseca County which has a support program up and running. Having a location in town for all of these entities to come together may make The Park into Waseca’s startup lightning rod. Amazing things happen when the right people come together.”

CONNECTING BACK

5 YEARS AGO

MARCH/APRIL 2013 Five years ago, Mike Donohoe appeared on the cover of Connect Business Magazine.

Donohoe owns James. R. Weir Insurance Agency, along with his brother-inlaw Jay Weir. Also featured that issue were Hacker’s Tree Farm, Nursery and Greenhouse in Sleepy Eye and the iconic Schmidt’s Meat Market in Nicollet.

10 YEARS AGO

MARCH/APRIL 2008 Homegrown architect Bryan Paulsen, founder of Paulsen Architects, was on the cover 10 years ago. A lot has changed for Paulsen in the last decade, as his firm was bought by ISG also of Mankato. Other profiles in the issue were Lake Shore Inn of Waseca and we spoke with Linda Hachfeld, owner of Appletree Press.

15 YEARS AGO

MARCH/APRIL 2003 We are grateful that 15 years ago we got to feature John Linder on our cover. The radio legend passed away this past September at the age of 63. John grew up with and led the Radio Mankato group and other broadcasting stations, making great contributions to that industry. Also featured were Timberlake Orchard south of Fairmont and Nissen Investigation of Waseca.

20 YEARS AGO

MARCH/APRIL 1998 Jerry Schugel, founder of what has become a trucking giant headquartered in New Ulm, graced our cover 20 years ago.

Also featured were Internet Connections, which has taken many twists and turns as technology constantly changes year to year.

Four Flags Over Aspen from Janesville was another profile this issue.

Read the entire articles at connectbiz.com

BULLETIN BOARD

Any chamber of commerce, convention and visitors bureau, or economic development organization in our reading area—large or small, from Amboy to Winnebago—can post on our free bulletin board. For details, email editor@connectbiz.com.

Blue Earth Cindy Lyon, Blue Earth Chamber

Mankato Julie Nelson, Small Business Development Center

Fairmont Margaret Dillard, Fairmont Area Chamber

Region Nine Nicole Griensewic-Mickelson, Dev. Com.

2018 is a giant year for the BEA Chamber & CVB! The new “Giant Welcome Center” project is set for their site work to begin in April, with a targeted move in date of October 2018! The Chamber hosted their 77th Annual Banquet with 127 guests, awarding Business of the Year to Armon Decorating, Rising Star to Becki Steier Studio, LLC & Community Service to Don Amundson.

We opened our program with the American Legion Color Guard who presented colors opening the evening with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Area Career Exploration (ACE) is scheduled for April 11 at the Fairmont Jr/Sr High School. Each year, more than 500 high school sophomores attend this free event where area businesses and organizations showcase the various positions and career clusters in which they offer employment. This program aims to raise awareness for local job and career opportunities while helping area students to chart a course for success in their future careers. Find out more at fairmontchamber.org!

Access to high-speed internet is essential to the development of the regional economy and quality of life in south central Minnesota.

Region Nine is hosting the Connect Rural Broadband Summit to assess the challenges, share success stories, and identify action steps for the future. Whether you are a community leader, business owner, or service provider, you won’t want to miss this event on April 5 from 9:00 to 5:00 in North Mankato. Register at rndc.org/get-involved/connectrural.

Fairmont Stephanie Busiahn, Visit Fairmont

Nicollet Alesia Slater, Nicollet Chamber

Break from the ordinary with phenomenal world-class entertainment at Fairmont’s historic venues! The internationally renowned Brass Roots Trio takes the stage at the Fairmont Opera House March 3, followed by the brilliant classical orchestra, Minnesota Sinfonia, on April 14. The Red Rock Center will host the broadly influenced and distinctively refined piano stylings of Radoslav Lorkovic on March 15. To purchase your tickets, contact the Fairmont Opera House at 507-238-4900 or the Red Rock Center at 507-235-9262.

Gaylord Elizabeth Reishus, Gaylord Area Chamber The Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce Board met for the first time in 2018. New board members were welcomed and officers were elected. Alice Strobel of First National Bank Minnesota takes the helm as the new President of the Chamber board; Vice President is Marj Smith of Oak Terrace Health Center; Jim Poquette of J.R. Poquette & Associates, LLC was elected Treasurer. The Board of Directors include: Goretti Enrrigue of Jalisco Market, Mark Stueber of First National Bank Minnesota, Angela Weber of Goldsmith Eye Care, Simmie Buehler of Michael Foods, Mary Goetsch of ProGrowth Bank and out-going Chamber president, Pauline Marlinski of KMA Design.

Le Sueur Julie Boyland, Le Sueur Chamber For decades, a sure sign of spring has been the unveiling of the Le Sueur area Retail & Business Expo. The Expo, held at the Valley Green Square Mall, will be Thursday, March 22 from 3:30-7:30pm.

Many exhibitors will showcase their products such as construction, landscaping, health & wellness, education, furniture, new vehicles, and much more. Food and refreshments will be available as well. So don’t miss out, stop in and visit the Retail & Business Expo.

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Join the Small Business Development Center at our inaugural South Central Minnesota Small Business Awards to honor outstanding small businesses during National Small Business Week. Don’t miss author, entrepreneur, and USA Today columnist Rhonda Abrams. Rhonda is widely recognized as one of the nation’s foremost experts on small business, entrepreneurship, and business planning. Her keynote presentation will be “Surviving Amazon: Thriving in a Rapidly Changing World.” Register at scsmallbizawards.eventbrite.com.

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Nicollet Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome new chamber members Cheap Chics Design, XCEL NDT Inc and Minnesota Truck and Tractor. Special thank you to all of the chamber members for their continued support. Chamber sponsored events: April 27 and 28 city wide garage sales and May 5 city wide clean up day! For all this year’s activities follow us at nicollet.org.

New Ulm Sarah Warmka, New Ulm Chamber/CVB The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes new members: Foresee Studios, ISD 88 Foundation, The Retz 227, and American Family Insurance–Brian McCabe Agency. The 5th Annual Mingle With A Purpose: Networking and Development for Women will take place on March 15. The Chamber will again host Leadercast on Friday, May 4. Other upcoming events: Schell’s Bock Fest (Mar 3); Farm Show (Mar 9-10); St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Mar 17); Home & Health Show (Mar 23-25); New Ulm Quilt Show (Mar 23-24).

Sleepy Eye Kurk Kramer, Sleepy Eye EDA The EDA Board, at their annual planning meeting, set the following goals for 2018. The first goal is to develop a five year plan that will address and implement action in dealing with the needs of the downtown district. Another goal is to begin work related to partnering with the HRA, and other possible investors, in dealing with the housing shortage. (The results of a recent housing study noted the needs for housing in all areas).

Goal number three is to continue to move forward with the completion of the Early Childcare facility run and controlled by a local nonprofit organization.

Local Chamber & Economic Development News

Mankato

St. Peter

Rosi Back, Greater Mankato Growth

Ed Lee, St. Peter Chamber

This year’s Prime Your Business will be held at the Verizon Center, on Tuesday, May 1 from 4 – 7 pm. Spotlight your business products and services, while having new and innovative idea exchanges with businesses from across the region…all in a fun and energized environment. This premier event is the perfect opportunity to learn more about our diverse and vibrant business community. Mankato is a market on the move! For more information or to reserve a spot visit greatermankato.com/prime.

The Ambassadors are planning the St. Patrick’s Day Parade for 3pm March 17 along 3rd Street. The business community welcomes Frey Salon and Spa in the historic Carnegie Library building. Everyone is invited to the Chamber Annual Social in early April; watch stpeterchamber.com for details. Planning for the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Parade and Picnic is already in full swing, with Sandra Lee and the Velvets performing at the picnic.

St. James Jamie Scheffer, St. James EDA

Waseca Gary Sandholm, Waseca EDA

The St. James EDA is building a 20,000 square foot spec building in the St. James Industrial Park. The building will be 200’ by 100’ with 28’ ceiling height, an expandable end wall, two loading docks, and flexibility to suit your needs! Contact Jamie with any inquiries at 507-375-1289.

Things are moving in Waseca despite Quad Graphics closing.

Burger King’s new restaurant is under construction. New home building permits are up–tax abatement and waiver of utility connection fees are having positive impact. A development plan for the Gaiter Lake property the City bought is being crafted. The Park shared office space is in operation, and the recommendations of the Vision 2030 project are being reviewed for implementation.

The future is being built.

St. James Joe McCabe, St. James Area Chamber Chamber members recognized “Collage Saint James” as the 2017 Business of the Year.

Rival Burgers opened for business on 1st Avenue South. MNDOT has the mini-roundabouts on a webcam site – you can access the site by going to the MNDOT District 7 website.

The St. James Opera House Restoration Project has received a grant in the amount of $60,000 for the restoration of the front of the Collage Saint James from the Minnesota Historical Society; the grant was made possible in part by the people of Minnesota through a grant funded by an appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Waseca Kim Foels, Waseca Chamber The Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, Ambassadors and Chamber’s AgriBusiness committee, all active volunteers working together to advance the relationship between farm and community business, will host the annual Farm and City Luncheon at 11:45am at Waseca American Legion on March 22. The 2017 Waseca County Outstanding Young Farmer Award, Waseca County Farm Family of the Year and the Waseca County Distinguished Agricultural Leadership Awards will be presented. The keynote speaker is David Beurle, CEO Future iQ. To RSVP, please call the chamber at 507-835-3260.

Waseca Gary Sandholm, Discover Waseca Tourism 2018 looks to be a big year for Tourism in Waseca. The Sesquicentennial celebration Labor Day Weekend will cap the summer season. Leading up to them are several music events plus being a host city for Bike MS: Ride Across Minnesota. Lakefest has July 4th fireworks. Canoe and kayak rentals will be at Clear Lake Park.

Farmamerica has a full schedule, new breweries have opened, and there are many tasty food options to try. Enjoy!

Winnebago Jean Anderson, City of Winnebago Heartland Senior Living, a community based not for profit serving the communities of Wells, Winnebago and Truman, has acquired three senior living properties: Parkview in Wells, Truman Care Center in Truman and Parker Oaks in Winnebago. The USDA Rural Development Loan programs are funding the acquisition. Parker Oaks Senior Living community in Winnebago is expected to undergo significant new development and renovations as a result of the transaction. In addition, Parker Oaks will remain home to Genesis Academy. The campus in Wells will see the development of a new assisted living and memory care campus. Formal work is expected to begin in the spring.

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By Lisa Cownie Photo by Kris Kathmann

With deep roots and diversification, St. Peter Lumber Company has remained solid through the natural periods of growth and decline of the housing industry.

Chad DeBlieck grew up around the lumber yard. He didn’t really know it then, but watching his dad manage the operations of Standard Lumber was giving him tools he didn’t even know he would want or need. But that he now knows, helped get him where he is today.

DeBlieck’s father managed the yard in St. Peter for almost two decades, before purchasing it in 1988 and changing the name to St. Peter Lumber Company. And that started a new history for a new family-owned business.

As his father eventually sold the business to him in 2011.

While the lumber yard stayed in the family, one thing is for sure: today’s lumber company is unlike the lumber yards of his father’s early days. Today, a lumber yard is more than just a place to purchase lumber and other parts one might need for a build.

“Whether you have a vision for the perfect cabinet knob or an entire room, our team will use advanced software to meticulously draw your ideas in detail,” says DeBlieck. “These drawings are scaled, include measurements and dimensions, and are done in different angles, and broken down into smaller details. We recognize that no two customers are exactly the same, so we take the time to understand their needs and make a unique drawn out plan.”

Software and technology have changed the way companies like St. Peter Lumber Company do business, but DeBlieck says it was his father’s early foresight in expanding the lumber yard’s offerings that helped change the course of the company.

“In 1994 our family was looking for other services we could provide to our customers,” says DeBlieck. “At the time, we had a couple dozen contractor items for rent. The cooperative we are members of, Do-it Best Corporation of Fort Wayne, Indiana, had developed a rental center program. In 1995, St. Peter Rental became the first stand-alone Rental Center in the program.

When I graduated from college I managed the operation and was part owner until 1998 when we hired a manager. In the last ten years we moved the rental operation into the St. Peter Lumber to better service our customer’s needs. We currently rent most anything from construction equipment, lawn and garden machines, party items, and much more.” continued > MARCH/APRIL 2018

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Going Beyond the Numbers

Things Minnesotans love about spring: Ice-out. Art festivals.

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Don’t let taxes get in the way of your fun. Call today for a worry-free season.

Old Growth Industry

DeBlieck admits, constantly innovating and trying to adapt to changing times and uptick in big box stores entering the market, is a challenge. It’s a challenge he is not facing alone. St. Peter Lumber Company supports a nonprofit known as “Independent We Stand.”

Independent We Stand is all about independently owned businesses across the country reaching out to their communities and educating them on the benefits of buying local. DeBlieck believes by supporting other locally-owned businesses, the regional economy can be strengthened. Simply buying their products, eating their food, or using their services allow locally owned and operated businesses to in turn put dollars back into the local economy by way of taxes, payrolls and purchases. All of that, of course, translates to more money for things like roads and schools.

Aside from being a smaller, locally owned business, DeBlieck says there are other challenges specific to his industry as well.

“Our biggest challenge in the recent years has been the accelerated timeliness of building products. Customers and contractors are demanding products much faster than ten years ago. These products are often finished products which require special care in storage and delivery.”

Over the years, DeBlieck has experienced the ebb and flow of

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About Independent We Stand Independent We Stand recognizes all socially responsible businesses, both large and small.

The movement focuses on helping the little guys not just survive, but thrive…and all the while helping them to contribute to their community.

Small business owners think money spent in your community should largely stay there, not always go home with strangers who hail from heaven knows where.

These locals aren’t just “moms and pops.”

They’re all about family—brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, cousins, neighbors, friends— all the people who make your community a wonderful place to live.

They’re scout leaders, volunteer firemen, Little League coaches. They’re the folks who sing in the church choir, rescue animals and help feed the less fortunate.

St. Peter Lumber Company | St. Peter

Old Growth Industry

Stats on Value of Small Businesses

AMERICARE MOBILITY VAN INC.

NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICE AREA INCLUDES: Mankato, Fairmont, Blue Earth, Madelia, St. Peter, Le Sueur, Waseca plus Northfield, Faribault, Owatonna, Albert Lea, Austin

NOW HIRING QUALIFIED DRIVERS

• Over the past 17 years, small businesses accounted for 65% of all net new jobs.

• 77 million Americans are employed by small businesses.

• 89% of consumers agree that independent businesses contribute positively to local economies.

• Residential neighborhoods served by a successful independent business district gained, on average, 50% more in home values than their citywide markets.

• Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors. Independent restaurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of sales than national restaurant chains.

50+ VEHICLE FLEET Phone: (800) 963-SAFE or (507) 625-6741 Web: amvan.com

AmeriCare Mobility Van Inc.

Since 1883 Nicollet County Bank

• If independent businesses regained their 1990 market shares, it would create 200,000 new small businesses, generate nearly $300 billion in revenues and employ more than 1.6 million American workers.

• If just half the U.S. employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.

• The local economy gains $179 vs. $105 for a chain store for every square foot a local firm occupies.

Sources: Independent We Stand, Small Business Administration; Intuit Small Business Innovation Study; American Express OPEN Independent Retail Index; Civic Economics/American Booksellers Assoc., U.S. Dept. of Labor

220 South Third Street St. Peter, Minnesota Phone: 931-3310 nicolletcountybank.com

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Old Growth Industry

Old Growth Industry

St. Peter Lumber Lowdown The lumber yard has been in operation since the early 1920s but the product line has grown since then. St. Peter Lumber now carries a full line of building materials for any home improvement need. Just a few of the products include Total Equine, Do-It 3 piece tool kits, Gyro Cordless Drills, mowers, trimmers, lawn tractors, tool boxes, and kitchen cabinets. They also offer Kent Feeds Inc. domestic and wild animal feed and care products as well as bird seed and feeders.

Walk Down Memory Lane:

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Neubert Millwork

Neubert Millwork Company’s journey started in 1915, originally located at Belgrade & Cedar in Mankato. In 1916, A. Neubert Lumber Company moved to the corner of Lyndale & Wheeler.

(Some folks back then also called it “East Wheeler”.) In 1929, the lumber company was sold to Standard Lumber Co., but maintained the millwork division. In 1938 they opened a second location at 408 Pike Street across the river in Mankato. They consolidated the 2 locations in 1943. By that time they had branched out into church pews and furniture. Many of the area churches have Neubert pews in them today. They operated there until 1971 when the first round of urban renewal hit Mankato. From there they went to the top of the hill at 1901 Lee Boulevard in North Mankato. In the early 1980’s Neubert Millwork Company was sold to Clair Haefner of North Mankato and was renamed Neubert Millwork & Lumber. The Haefner family owned and operated the business until July of 2013 when it was purchased by Chad DeBlieck.

We

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industries like his, industries that are impacted by shifts in the economy.

“The building industry has a cycle. When the housing market is strong, the building industry flourishes. When the housing market is down, things are tough. As most in the industry recall, the early 2000’s were tough. The housing market is strong right now and it is time to make hay. In times like this, we invest in people and equipment

All of these are in our wheelhouse and are brought to life, using our advanced Butler building systems. And when it comes to seeing your vision in a whole new way, our exclusive SmartView™ technology takes your building design and helps maximize its lifecycle efficiency and return on investment.

Contact us today at 1-507-625-2634 and www.gosewisch.com

Old Growth Industry

DeBlieck’s Foundation: Family “I enjoy spending time with my wife and four children. We travel, snowmobile, raise and show animals in 4-H, hunt, fish, and play a little golf.”

A “little” golf has been something Chad has always enjoyed.

“I grew up in St. Peter and graduated from St. Peter High School. I attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington for two years.

When I was looking for a college, I wanted a school I could attempt to walk on and play golf in a warm climate as well as obtain a business degree. At the time, UNCW had a very good staff of retired economists from the east coast and the climate was great.”

After two years, Chad returned closer to home and graduated from University of St. Thomas with a degree in Finance and Economics.

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507-345-3388 www.SignProMankato.com 301 Webster Avenue, North Mankato MARCH/APRIL 2018

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because times will not always be as they are now,” explains DeBlieck.

Building relationships and investing in people is a top priority for DeBlieck, as he thinks back on his years running a lumber company, that’s what sticks with him the most. He’s up to thirteen full-time and four part-time employees now.

“We have had some life-long friends who have worked for the yard over the years and have gone on to other occupations all around the country,” he says.

And he extends that to customers too, who DeBlieck knows he must take good care of to stay a leader in the industry.

That means not only providing what he considers top notch products and service, but also helping customers along the way by empowering them to do it themselves.

“While we are available to do any job in your home big or small, we like to offer customers do-it-yourself tips so they can save time and money by doing things on their own,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be a full scale renovation to make a difference.

For instance, an easy way to update your cabinets is to change out the knobs and pulls. If they are looking dated, add a designer touch and style for an updated look. Another thing you can do is switch out old light fixtures for a sleek new design. Contractor grade brass fixtures can be swapped out for stylish new brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze and bring new life to a room. Switch out the light bar in your bathroom with a simple three light wall light to create a new feel. Finally, add an easy tile backsplash to your kitchen or bath. Many fun things can be used for the design including ceramic, glass tiles, river rock, or cork.”

With this sort of custom design in mind, DeBlieck expanded St. Peter Lumber’s offerings yet again, purchasing Neubert Milling in 2013. The purchase helped him expand his service offerings to customers by providing custom millwork and hand crafted woodwork to any home improvement project.

“Neubert has a long history in the area as it was an old millwork company which dates back to the early 1900’s,” he explains.

“The business model was later found outdated and many of the manufacturing

St. Peter Lumber Company | St. Peter

THE ESSENTIALS

St. Peter Lumber Company Address: 200 South Front Street St. Peter, Minnesota Phone: (507) 931-3200 Web: stpeterlumber.com

processes were inefficient and no longer used. So, we made a tough decision in 2015 to move out of the North Mankato location and move the shop to our St. Peter location.

We kept the capability to produce custom millwork for replications of mouldings in the area or to create a completely custom profile for our customers. Sometimes things don’t go the way you think, but to move on and learn from the experience makes you stronger.”

Another source of strength for DeBlieck continues to be his father, who is semi retired from the business.

“My father has taught me extensive knowledge of the lumber and building industry over the years and has opened doors of opportunities for me,” he says.

“He’s introduced me to other organizations like the Northwest Lumberman’s Association which has been a great resource.”

From its address of 200 South Front Street, St. Peter Lumber delivers products up to a 50 mile radius. DeBlieck says his hometown will always be where he’ll operate from.

“St. Peter is a great community to raise a family and live in,” he says. “The city has some challenges to operate a business in as well. We do have high utility rates, businesses have a high property tax rate due in part to the amount of non-taxable property in the city, there are very few non-city owned residential building lots, building permit fees are near the top in the area, but we have great building officials to work with.”

DeBlieck says his business philosophy and business plan are built around one mission: “We want to provide the best building materials possible on time and correct to our customers in turn building a strong reliable relationship.”

Schwickerts

Editor Lisa Cownie writes from Mankato.

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Feeling like you paid too much in taxes this year?

Contact your financial advisor today to learn about investing strategies that could benefit you.

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Financial Advisor

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1001 East Blue Earth Ave, Suite B Fairmont, MN 56031 507-238-4244

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700 N Minnesota St Suite C New Ulm, MN 56073 507-354-1234

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1031 West Grace Street St Peter, MN 56082 507-931-7348

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HOT STARTZ!

Very New or Re-formed Businesses or Professionals New To Our Reading Area

NEW ULM

Bailey Creek Boutique

ART SIDNER

After spending more than 25 years in the corporate world, Sandy Reinke was ready for a change.

“Although I experienced much success with my corporate career, I decided that if I was ever going to venture out of my comfort zone, now would be the time,” Reinke says. And she knew exactly what she wanted to do.

“I, like most women, love the boutique shopping experience,” she explains. “However, rarely did I find boutiques that carried clothing in plus sizes. I would tell my friends that someday I would open a boutique that would carry quality, affordable, stylish plus size women’s clothing. A friend that successfully runs 2 boutiques in the area gave me the information and confidence I needed to take the first step.”

Bailey Creek Boutique opened its doors in June of 2017.

“We are primarily a women’s clothing boutique offering a variety of clothing from size small to 4X. We pride ourselves in offering 50% missy and 50% plus size clothing. In addition to apparel, we carry a variety of accessories including jewelry, scarves and purses. Each day we offer samples of delicious Fireside coffee, mocha, chai and cocoa as well as caramels and almond toffee produced in Alexandria, MN. We also have several gift items such as graphic wooden signs, spa and therapeutic items, chemo hats and greeting cards,” she says.

She owns the boutique with her husband Tim. Both are thrilled with the location, right in the heart of downtown New Ulm.

“Customers can park downtown on Minnesota Street and take a short walk to our boutique as well as three other amazing boutique/gift stores and several great restaurants and retail businesses. New Ulm is a wonderful place to spend a day or weekend!”

Reinke says opening the boutique has been very rewarding, but is not without its challenges.

“My biggest challenge so far is that I strive to keep equal amounts of missy size to plus size clothing on the floor. My plus size clothing (1X to 4X) sells in larger quantities per customer than my missy size clothing. Although I have great plus size clothing lines in the boutique, I’m continually looking to secure additional lines to successfully answer the demand that we experience. The real challenge is finding quality, affordable plus size clothing lines that run true to size,” she says.

BAILEY CREEK BOUTIQUE Address: 103 North Minnesota Street Phone: (507) 354-9998

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST Bill Douglass

Water Resources Work Group Leader, Mankato, MN Bill specializes in managing environmental reviews as well as hydrologic modeling and stormwater design and management services in both urban and agricultural areas. As an avid hunter and fisherman, clean water is important to him.

Because of our local ties, we have a true understanding of the people, needs, and resources in the communities we serve.

Bolton-Menk.com

Providing public infrastructure solutions since 1949.

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HOT STARTZ!

Him & Her Design It’s just been a year since they started, but the him and her behind Him and Her Design Studio are already expanding their services. Retail products will be a big push for the duo in 2018. The design team of Brandon Reibeling and Michelle Isebrand opened their doors in North Mankato in Spring of 2017. They offer business and custom product design, but it’s the retail products they plan to expand in year two.

“We are excited to be expanding this category in 2018. We currently offer Holiday Cards, Wall Art, Stationery Sets, Stamps, Vinyl and an Exclusive line of metal holiday ornaments each year. We are excited to be adding year round holiday cards, birthday cards & sticker sets, magnets and more,” says Reibeling.

It’s through the stationery focus, they have accomplished award winning achievements.

“We have landed 4 LOUIE Awards and are two- time LOUIE Award finalists. The LOUIE Awards are the acclaimed ‘Oscars’ for the stationery world held in New York,” says Isebrand.

Reibeling and Isebrand have worked together for 17 years as professional product designers. They say their success comes from each bringing something a little different to the table.

“We each have our own set of unique skills that when combined have complimented our creative teamwork,” says Isebrand.

Creative teamwork that sometimes produces more ideas, than time to get them all done.

“We have many creative projects we want to accomplish

but the challenge is realizing that they don’t all have to be accomplished in one day,” says Reibeling.

While creativity shows in their products, their approach to business is traditional and one they know will be a key to success.

“Our business philosophy is simple, to produce a quality product that is unique, quality focused with customer satisfaction,” says Isebrand.

They currently serve southern Minnesota and are looking forward to 2018.

“For 2018, we look forward to maintaining our amazing current relationships and developing new business and customer satisfaction! Him and Her Design will continue the creative passion; producing new innovative products and designs.”

HIM & HER DESIGN , LLC Address: 1754 Commerce Drive, Suite 104 Telephone: (507) 382-4033 Website: himandherdesign.com

Catch the Hometown Business Connection on KEYC News 12!

KEYC News 12 and Connect Business Magazine editor Lisa Cownie will bring you the stories of area local businesses and how they impact Southern Minnesota.

• First Wednesday of the month on KEYC News 12 at 6 • Repeats Thursday on KEYC News 12 Midday • See all previous episodes on keyc.com

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ART SIDNER

NORTH MANKATO

Very New or Re-formed Businesses or Professionals New To Our Reading Area

MANKATO

Kuettner Legal James Kuettner’s path to becoming an attorney is a unique one.

“Prior to law school, I managed bars and restaurants for about 11 years. I encountered customers with various legal issues. I felt compelled to do something to help, so I went to undergrad and then law school,” Kuettner explains.

After law school, he clerked for Judge Gordon L. Moore, III, in Worthington, MN. Two years later, he decided to look for work as an attorney, initially applying at the Public Defenders Office in Mankato.

“They asked if I had ever considered private work,” says Kuettner. “And they noted that Cal Johnson was looking to retire so I started the law firm to assist in the transition. Our specialty is criminal defense.”

Kuettner officially opened Kuettner Legal LLC in March of 2017, taking over Cal Johnson’s offices at the corner of Cherry and Broad Streets, in the heart of downtown Mankato.

“The house was built in 1876. The building is a beautiful Victorian-style home. It has lots of character and charm. We like the convenient location. It’s easy to find and offers a safe haven for many of our clients,” he says.

Specializing in criminal defense, Kuettner says it’s hard to identify a “typical” client.

“Our youngest client is 10 years old. Our oldest is a septuagenarian. They are of all races and genders. Really, it’s anyone who has been (or could be) charged with a crime,” says Kuettner.

Kuettner Legal provides representation in all criminal matters, as well as civil matters related to criminal charges, such as expungements, firearm right restoration, harassment restraining order petitions, asset forfeiture, and implied consent (driver’s license) actions. “I like to place my clients as a top priority – because they are.”

KUETTNER LEGAL, LLC Address: 427 South Broad Street Telephone: (507) 345-4545

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OPINION

By The Numbers, Workforce Is Just Not Adding Up

By Dr. Shane Bowyer

Recently our state has received some positive accolades as U.S. News listed Minnesota as the third best overall state, with the “opportunity� variable ranking second. Another list named Minnesota as the second-best state to raise a family (WalletHub.com). Many of the 230,000+ people in south central Minnesota probably believe they were responsible for those overall state rankings! Why not, it is a great area to live and work. And work they do.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota and South Central Minnesota (Region 9*) labor participation rates, which are about 70 percent, are near the top nationally, with only North Dakota higher. This in turn impacts the

Regional Construction Jobs Strong Construction in the region continues to be a competitive industry with opportunities and higher median salaries than the national average.

In a report provided by the University of Minnesota Extension office in Mankato, construction jobs have grown 14 percent in the past five years; however, this pace will slow slightly to an eight percent growth over the next five years. At that point, the expected supply and demand will be on par with national levels. Despite the slowing levels, in the past year there were 59 different companies 56

unemployment rate in the region, leaving most businesses struggling to fill openings and making it difficult to grow the local economy. The Mankato/North Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has a historically low unemployment rate and is currently under 2.0 percent, a level considered to be at full employment. For the first time since 2001, there are more job vacancies than the number of unemployed people.

The worker shortage is not only a regional issue, but a state problem. RealTime Talent predicts Minnesota will be short 278,000 people by 2022. Communities in Region 9 are working to promote the opportunities and quality of life in the area. But there is still much to do to attract and retain a

in the region that posted construction jobs online for hundreds of open positions and many openings were not even posted.

Good news for workers in the region – they receive seven percent higher salaries. Factoring in one percent adjustment for Cost of Living, hiring people for construction opportunities theoretically should be more attractive than other places in the nation. Yet, the competition to hire construction talent in the region is higher than national numbers.

About 30 percent of the jobs in the nine-county region are in Mankato-North Mankato with more than 300 people driving into Mankato to work.

On a positive note, the regional construction demographic has a low risk for loss of positions due to retirement. The region is below

quality workforce.

For example, Greater Mankato Growth has been taking steps to address the worker shortage in the MSA through initiatives led by a Talent Council. MoreMankato.com was launched to show the quality of life.

GreaterMankatoJobs.com and GreenSeam Talent Exchange were started to match jobseekers with openings. Sub-groups are organizing HR workshops, developing career planning materials with school districts, and other talent programs are being

the national average with about 98 employees nearing retirement out of more than 4,000 in the industry. However, the region is very low in racial diversity in the industry as well as gender.

The construction industry is vibrant in the region with many good-paying opportunities. To help people enter the industry South Central College, North Mankato has several constructionrelated educational opportunities to assist in training the future workforce. Minnesota State University, Mankato also has a construction management major.

Just like other industries, this region needs to continue to promote the construction opportunities combined with the cost of living and quality of life to attract people into the area and retain the high school graduates.

Businesses and people in the region all need to work toward engaging the next generation of the workforce before they leave, through internships, mentoring, and developing a personal relationship to show why we live here. created. It is going to take a number of these types of initiatives by all communities in the region to tackle the workforce shortage.

There is one negative statistic people talk about that needs to be put into perspective – the regional wage gap. The Minnesota DEED Labor and Market Information Office provides data that show a family (2 adults and 1 child, with 1 full-time and 1 part-time worker) living in Region 9 has a basic needs budget nearly $11,000 less than the state average. The difference is about $3.40 per hour; therefore, hourly wages can be lower than other parts of Minnesota or even other states. The people in Region 9 need to continue to show the “Cost of

Living” and the “Quality of Life” factors make it an attractive place to work in order to retain workers and bring in people from elsewhere. Although, paying people more always helps, too.

The worker shortage is largely due to the changing demographics of the labor force.

Over the next decade the overall number of people in the labor force will be declining as the population ages. Statistically, Region 9 looks good with a much higher percentage rate of 15-24 year olds than the rest of the State. However, the numbers are misleading because of the number of higher education institutions in the region. This can also be a positive factor in addressing the

workforce shortage. The large number of students coming into the region for school provides the opportunity of retaining them.

Of course, graduates are attracted to the Twin Cities and other big cities. They see more opportunities. Higher salaries. Pro sports and entertainment. More people their age. But many students don’t see the opportunities in the region away from their campuses. Businesses and people in the region all need to work toward engaging the next generation of the workforce before they leave, through internships, mentoring, and developing a personal relationship to show why we live here.

Our communities are in one of the top states in the country for many reasons – let it be known. *Region 9 includes the counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, Watonwan.

Dr. Shane Bowyer is the Talent Initiative Consultant for Greater Mankato Growth and Assistant Professor in the College of Business at Minnesota State Mankato. He can be reached at greatermankatotalent@gmail.com.

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ASK A PROFESSIONAL

Brook Devenport Owner Blinds & More Interior Design Group

Adding window treatments to your home or office is one of the simplest ways to transform its look and feel, but with so many options, how do you choose which option is best for you? Below are some helpful questions to ask yourself as you begin shopping for the perfect window coverings for your home or office.

What are your lighting issues?

Window treatments can block harmful UV rays that damage fabrics on furniture, carpets and more. Each window treatment filters or blocks UV rays differently depending on the fabric or material of the blinds or shades. Window treatments come in various degrees of light filtration. Some shades are made to block all the light such

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Blinds, Shades, Shutters or Draperies?

Tips for determining what’s right for your office as blackout shades. Others are designed specifically to filter the light, providing privacy but still keeping the room bright during the daytime.

How will the window function?

Give some thought to how the window itself will need to function. Will you be opening it frequently or is it a window you know you’ll rarely ever use? For example, simple, no-fuss roller shades are great for windows you will use on a regular basis.

How important is energy efficiency to you?

Many window treatments will help reduce energy costs. However, some window coverings are better insulators than others.

The top energy efficient blinds are cellular shades. Honeycomb shades have a unique cell pattern that uses air for insulation.

Do you want to maintain your view while blocking light and glare?

If you have a window where you do not want to block a view, consider solar shades that allow light to pass through them but block UV rays similar to a screen.

What is the style of your interior/exterior design?

Window treatments are one of the few home or office purchases that accent both the interior and exterior of your home simultaneously. Make sure you consider the “look” of blinds from both perspectives.

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A quick formula to establish a “basic budget” range is to figure 1-1/2 to 2% of the selling price of the home. For example, a $400,000 home would range $6,000 to $8,000 for basic hard treatments.

What’s your budget?

Costs of blinds and shades will vary greatly depending on the style, lifting system and brand chosen. A quick formula to establish a “basic budget” range is to figure 1-1/2 to 2% of the selling price of the home. For example, a $400,000 home would range $6,000 to $8,000 for basic hard treatments. The budget will dramatically increase if you plan on using drapery, shutters or layered treatments.

Do you have hard to reach windows or multiple windows that you would like to open at the same time?

Motorization is a perfect option for these windows. These shades are operated by a hand held or wall mounted remote or by a tablet or smart phone. There are many apps available that allow you to schedule your shade to raise and lower throughout the day on a timer. A great option if you want to wake up with the sunrise or close your shades at the end of the day.

What look and feel do you want to achieve?

Form, function, privacy, and energy efficiency are all incredibly important when choosing the best window treatments for your home or office, but choosing the style, fabric and color you love is perhaps most important of all.

Brook is a true local, born and raised in Mankato.

She has been the proud owner of Blinds & More since 2008 and brings her winning personality, infectious passion and over a decade of experience.

Brook’s knowledge of the industry and top-of-the-line products ensure your window coverings and decor wow you with each glance. Brook has immersed herself in the industry and our community: MN River Builders Association Active Board Member, Window Coverings Association of American, Interior Design Society, Award Winning Alliance Dealer of Hunter Douglas, Lafayette Alliance Dealer, Creating Connections BNI, Tony Robbins Business Mastery Graduate, Greater Mankato Growth.

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